Arsenal beat Manchester City to a deal for England star Declan Rice (Pictures: Getty)

Pep Guardiola says Arsenal have signed an ‘incredible player’ after Manchester City missed out on a deal for England midfielder Declan Rice.

While Arsenal were leading the race to sign Rice from West Ham earlier in the summer, Premier League champions Man City threatened to blow them out of the water as they tabled a £90m bid for the 24-year-old.

But that was short of West Ham’s valuation and Arsenal were able to return with an offer of more than £100m to secure Rice’s signature.

The switch to north London made Rice Arsenal’s most expensive signing and one of the most lucrative in Premier League history.

Guardiola believes Rice will be an ‘incredible player’ for Arsenal and has suggested the player always wanted to link up with the Gunners despite substantial interest from Manchester City.
‘Rice decided on Arsenal so all the best,’ Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield final at Wembley.

?He?s an important player, a very nice guy and for England will be important. For Arsenal, what an incredible player.?

Rice and Arsenal will face Man City this weekend (Picture: Getty)

Manchester City reeled in long-time Premier League leaders Arsenal to win their third successive title last season.

Looking ahead to the Community Shield clash against Mikel Arteta’s side, Guardiola said...